Bee Esler (September 2, 1925 – February 11, 2019), lived at 3983 Marble Ridge Lane, Mason, OH. 45040. The daughter of the late John and Katherine “Kat” Bowie, she leaves behind two sons: C. Marshall Esler Jr. (Vicki) and Samuel C. Esler (Debbie); nine grandchildren: Holly Esler, Drew Esler, Kara Conneighton (Brian), Connor Esler, Abbey Esler, Hayden Esler and Rediet Esler, Lauren Smith and Morgan Smith; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Bee was preceded in death by her husband, C. Marshall Esler Sr., two brothers, Jack Walker and John Bowie, and two sisters, Hazel Weber (John) and Audrey Bowie, as well as in-laws Robert Esler (Teddy) George Esler (Vera), Virginia Esler and Helen Marie Weber (John). A devoted wife of 53 years, a loving and supportive mother, grandmother and aunt, a friend to all, and a deeply spiritual person, she will be missed beyond words. Despite being a “depression era” kid, and having endured multiple family tragedies at age 16/17, her glass of life was not only half-full, but a darn fine glass, especially when it had a little icy cold malted adult beverage in it.
Her spirit was indomitable and infectious. As a rising tide lifts all boats, Bee lifted the lives of those around her for the better. A lifetime “learner”, Bee was always reading, stretching her intellect, which was prodigious.
Not being in the position to attend college after high school graduation, Bee was eventually able to fulfill her lifelong goal of a college education when she attended Youngstown State, full-time, beginning in her mid-40’s. She graduated with a 3. 98, having received a B+ in a single class due to a grading error.
Bee was a member of both Phi Kappa Phi and Kappa Delta Pi honor societies. She also attended Akron University in pursuit of a Masters. After graduation, Bee got a job teaching at Bascom Elementary School in Leavittsburg, OH.
where she inspired childhood and youth with a will to learn, and taught for 18 years, impacting many, many children. While there, Bee was recognized as an outstanding educator, being named a Martha Holden Jennings scholar. As recently as last summer, Bee was part of a Book Club with some of the nicest, kindest ladies ever.
Her cancer support group was also very special to her. Bee loved sports. For actually a legitimate reason, Bee was a Michigan college football fan most of her life.
At age 80, after much arm twisting, we finally convinced her to attend her first Ohio State game. She never rooted for that team up north again and enjoyed a “Bee-sized” shot of Fireball this year when the Buckeyes eviscerated the Fighting Harbaugh’s once again. Her Buckeye Inner Circle friends were the best and treated her like a queen.
Also, just like you don’t tug on Superman’s cape, spit into the wind, or pull the mask off the Lone Ranger, you don’t argue with Bee about sports statistics…. . because you will lose.
Bee was the original Clark Griswold, but not just for Christmas. Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Flag Day, etc. , they were all a reason to decorate the house from top to bottom.
That said, she always outdid herself at Christmas. She just loved that Holiday. It won’t be the same without her, but we will try.
Finally, Bee loved God, praying every night for her loved ones and others to be protected by His goodness. She taught Sunday school for 25 years, and was a Deacon and an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Niles. In recent years, she attended both the Sycamore Presbyterian and Christ Church of Mason churches.
She knows she will meet up with dad and her very missed brothers and sisters-in laws, as well as long passed siblings and parents. This gives us great comfort, as well as knowing her Sycamore and Christ Church Mason church family have her and us in their prayers. Bee will never be truly gone since her influence will live on through her children, grandchildren, daughters-in-law and friends.
She has left this world a far better place by having been in it. It was a life well led. Fly free Bee, for you are healed.
Family will receive friends Monday, February 25 from 10-11 AM at Christ Church at Mason (Chapel), 5165 Western Row Rd. , Mason, OH 45040, where funeral services will follow at 11 AM. Interment Rose Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please make a donation in Bee’s honor to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. donate.
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